10 outdoor activities to soak up the last bit of summer

Living on the Central Coast comes with its perks. We see the sun most of the year, a reward the coast spoils us with. While folks can continue enjoying their summer activities throughout October and the beginning of November, there’s always a shift in the air when the leaves change color and the pumpkins and chai lattes appear. We forget summer exists when the fall festivities commence. So, to make the tail-end of summer count, here are 10 outdoor activities that will get you to soak up the sunshine before the days get shorter. 

Wine tasting and horseback riding at Vino Vaqueros

Horseback ride through Santa Ynez Valley for a breathtaking nature experience overlooking the countryside, vineyards, and rolling foothills. Tag along with all your friends or family members. You’re allowed 10 people per group. Or, keep your ride intimate with yourself and a friend or partner. Finish the adventure with a relaxing glass of wine surrounded by eternal rows of vineyards. 

Take a tour of Hearst Castle

Transport yourself back to 1947 with a tour of Hearst Castle, which overlooks the village of San Simeon. Built by William Randolph Hearst, the stunning twin-towered castle holds three guesthouses and over 100 acres of gardens, fountains, and pools. Walk through the grand rooms, suites, and cottages and get lost in the art and history of the estate. There are multiple tours to choose from that will wow you on your visit. Tickets start at $35 for adults and $18 for children over 5 years old.

Ride the dunes in a Hummer

Get up close and personal with the Oceano Dunes with the ride of a lifetime in an extreme Humvee. Enjoy the sights from Oceano Beach to the Ocean Dunes. Keep your hands on the handles and your seat because you’ll be driven over the craziest hills, bolting straight down on steep hills, and spun around the Dune Bowls. Prices start at $60 per seat when paid with a credit card for an hour-long tour, but it’s $55 per seat when you pay with cash. However, a group with less than three people will have to pay a minimum of $165 with cash or $180 with a credit card per new restrictions. 

Enjoy the coastal views by driving along Highway 1

If you’re not up for chasing a stomach-dropping thrill at Oceano Dunes, drive on Highway 1 to enjoy a relaxing ride along the coast. Whether you drive north or south, there are many fascinating pit stops where you can get to know the Central Coast more. Drive north toward Big Sur and visit Morro Bay Rock, the elephant seals of San Simeon, and many hiking trails. Stop in Cayucos to buy a delicious buttery cookie from Brown Butter Cookie Company, then stroll around downtown Cambria and visit the local shops. Or, drive south and visit various state parks, such as Gaviota, Refugio, and El Capitan, until you reach Santa Barbara. Make a slight detour and drive through Buellton until you reach the Danish Village of Solvang. While exploring the town, pick up a signature coffee at Good Seed Coffee and a flavorful cream cheese Danish from Moretensen’s Danish Bakery. 

Kayak in Avila Beach 

When we think of summer, we think of the beach. Even though laying on the sand and taking a dip in the ocean is an excellent way to relax under the sun, try to level up your beach day by kayaking on the water. There are multiple shops along the coast where you can rent a kayak, like Central Coats Kayaks, Avila Beach Paddlesports, and A Kayak Shack. Rent a kayak for a few hours and enjoy the ocean a little differently. You might get lucky and see some otters swimming next to you. 

Visit San Luis Obispo’s Farmer’s Market

There’s nothing better than gathering your friends and family, hitting the farmer’s market to try out multiple food stands, and taking home locally grown in-season fruits and vegetables. Even though San Luis Obispo’s farmer’s market is open every Thursday evening, take one last stroll while the sun is still high in the sky at 7 pm before the sun sets at 5 pm. Eat as much as you can, enjoy the music from local musicians, and support SLO’s small businesses. 

Cool down with a crisp cold beer in Tin City

Tin City has exceptional beer, cider, and wine options for folks who want to have a chill but exciting day with friends. There are over 40 businesses to enjoy, from alcoholic beverages to food. There is so much to choose from that anyone can delight in. It’s a small warehouse district, so you can walk around and stop by various breweries, distilleries, and wine-tasting rooms. Barrelhouse Brewing Company and Tin City Cider Company offer refreshing choices. On the outskirts of Tin City, you can visit Firestone Walker, California Coast Beer, and KiloKilo Brewing Company for additional options. 

Hike at Montaña de Oro 

Montaña de Oro is one of the largest state parks in California, containing seven miles of shoreline and over 8,000 acres of land. There are hiking trails for all levels, from beginning to advanced. Be cautious of wildlife, such as bobcats, deer, raccoons, and many more, when hiking throughout Montaña de Oro. You can visit the state park for a day or extend your stay by camping in one of its campgrounds to get the most out of your trip. 

Zipline through the Santa Ynez mountains

Give yourself the ultimate summer adventure throughout the last few weeks by ziplining over Santa Ynez Valley. Step outside your comfort zone and fly over gorgeous flower fields and over 1,200 acres of land, zipping fast through three ziplines. The adventure lasts up to 2 hours, leaving you with loads of adrenaline even after landing safely from your final flight. 

Light up your summer nights at Sensorio

Surround yourself with over 100,000 colorful light bulbs at Sensorio in Paso Robles. The immersive art exhibition is magical, ethereal, and luminous. It’s the ideal date night spot or family outing, where you can explore endless paths of bioluminescent flowers that will light up your world. Enjoy the warm nights in the colorful hills and let the sensory experience take you to a fantasy-filled land.